Arts & Entertainment District

The state of Maryland designated downtown Bethesda as an Arts & Entertainment District effective July 1, 2002. The Bethesda Urban Partnership is the manager of the Bethesda's Arts & Entertainment District.

In 2004, the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District Board was granted 501 (c) (3) status by the IRS. This allows the Board to fundraise, as a not-for-profit organization, and build awareness for new arts & Entertainment projects in downtown Bethesda. Our Mission Statement is: "The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District Board shall create and implement arts and entertainment projects that contribute to the artistic, cultural and economic growth of downtown Bethesda".

From award-winning theatre to independent films, Bethesda's Arts & Entertainment District is filled with inspiring artists and arts venues. Unique galleries and public art fill the streets throughout the downtown. The Art & Soul of Bethesda arts publication details arts organizations, public art, cinemas and live theatre present within downtown Bethesda's Arts & Entertainment District. For more information, please email Stephanie Coppula, scoppula@bethesda.org.

Special tax incentives are in place that will benefit artists, arts enterprises and developers that are located within Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District.

Benefits:

*Artists who live in the state of Maryland and create their artwork in the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District can receive certain income tax breaks.

*Developers who renovate or construct spaces for arts' use can be exempt from paying certain property taxes on the value of the renovations for up to 10 years.

*Arts enterprises that charge the Admissions and Amusement tax are exempt from this tax.

Watch for announcements for exciting, new art projects in Bethesda coming soon!

CLICK HERE to see a map of the Arts & Entertainment District boundaries